Redskins, confidence, and the worst coach in America

After the Eagles’ 30-10 win over the Cleveland Browns Monday night, safety Brian Dawkins let reporters know what the frame of mind of his team — playing for a shot at an NFC wild card spot — is going into Sunday’s game against the Redskins.

“We put everything together and we’re playing some pretty good ball right now,” Dawkins said. “We are a very, very confident group and we’re looking forward to this next game.”

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Compare that with the frame of mind of Redskins coach Jim Zorn at his Monday press conference a few hours earlier: “I feel like the worst coach in America.”

The atmosphere surrounding these teams couldn’t be any further apart right now. Zorn needs to find a way to change that atmosphere this week. They were not prepared to face the Bengals in what was believed to be a must win this past Sunday, and if he can’t find a way to get his team ready to play this game, it may be an indication that his players agree with him about his status as the worst coach in America.

It is nearly impossible for the Redskins to make the playoffs now, but a win Sunday against Philadelphia would accomplish something perhaps more important — create some reason for hope, some reason to believe that Zorn can lead this team in the right direction, given the time to do so. A beatdown by the Eagles before Redskins fans in the last home game of the season could make Zorn’s declaration the rallying cry for his head.

Radio

I will be on The Sports Reporters on ESPN 980 AM today (Tuesday) from 5 to 7 p.m.